Weekend at the mountain

We all need a weekend at the mountain, right? Thankfully, there are a few mountains to choose from in the pacific northwest. Seriously, such a blessing to live here. I grow more and more in love with Oregon every summer. Maybe that is because I know it won't forever be home. At least for a time it won't. But, maybe we'll return after Andrew's Air Force years... we'll see! Now, back to the weekend... It was so great. 

Andrew's family is amazing and plans little getaways during the year. Rest, fun, great food, awesome company, and beautiful scenery every time. We met the group up near Mt. Hood this weekend and enjoyed a lovely house/cabin with a tranquil creek running through the back yard.

 

I don't have many photos from the house or the creek on my camera. But, the creek was probably my favorite part and definitely worth remembering, We put on our tennis-shoes and began to hike up the creek. No plan in mind- just wade through the rushing water and don't slip on the mossy rocks. With the help of walking sticks, we eventually (& very slowly) made it to a rather deep spot. The perfect swimming hole. Mind you- I am not a fan of water that isn't clear. If I can see the bottom clearly, I'm fine. This creek was crystal clear and simply gorgeous. I was first to jump into the freezing "swimming hole." The laughter that came over me from both the strange sensation of the cold taking my breath away and the strong current forcing me backwards was for some reason undeniably hilarious. At least to me. Thankfully, this was a safe spot and we were in no danger- but trying to swim upstream and making zero progress was for some reason so much fun. The boys from the bank eventually joined me- maybe my laughter made it look like enough fun to freeze their buns off. But, fun it was. So very much fun. I can't remember the last time I genuinely laughed like that. I think it was much needed. So, thank you, cold creek and quick current. Thank you for the good time.

We headed up to the historic Timberline Lodge with most of the family (Andrew stayed behind to get some work done). It was such a beautiful day!

As you could see, we rode the lift up and enjoyed the gorgeous views, snow, and fresh air. There were games, movies, naps, and I even squeezed a craft in there over the 2 days. It truly was a great weekend, and I'm so glad we could join the rest of the family. So thankful for this time near them. Now off to a busy week and more family coming to town... guests make summer that much more fun. See you soon Grandma!

my grill guy

Grill man, Andrew! For his birthday, I got him a grill and we had a family BBQ. The grill ended up being a lot larger than I thought compared to the online pics (thanks Mom & Dad for picking it up for me). I'm hoping this will last us many years and aid in building new memories with friends and family. I think he was surprised. I could tell he was excited when he called me at the grocery store and asked for specific ingredients for his very own burger mix. Precious. I'm hoping he can find the time to enjoy and learn more about grilling over the next few years as time permits. Me on the other hand will be the happy recipient of yummy grilled eats... can't wait!

 

 Little Isaac was the life of the party- as always. My dad enjoyed capturing these lovely photos of his smiley, happy self.

I certainly didn't want to forget Andrew's 25th birthday (that occurred a few weeks back) and our little get together that we had in his honor. Wish I got more pics of each of the guests and the rest of the party- but as hostess, taking photos was last on my mind. This will do! At the end of the day, I had a very happy husband- which, in turn brings me so much joy. He so sweetly came to bed that night and whispered how thankful he was and how nice it was to throw this very last minute party together with those he loves most. Even in my deep sleep, my heart was melting. Love you sweets! Let's make this 25th year a great one!

and most of all compassion...

The lights are dimmed, the halls empty. You'd never know that behind each door is a unit full of people. All ages. All sicknesses, all situations. You'd never know that behind many of those quiet doors is a Nurse holding a hand to help get a patient up for the first time, pushing a vital medication through an ever-so-sensitive IV catheter, hanging units of blood, bandaging up wounds, delicately searching for a vein to start an IV for a brand new sick baby, calling physicians in the middle of the night at their homes to update and request new orders, watching a cardiac monitor like a hawk- awaiting the moment to jump to action... the list goes on. You'd never know. It's done in quiet, even in the middle of the night. All is dark and still it seems, but we are fervently working. We know charts inside and out. We must. At any point, all could go bad, and we act. At any point, we are the ones all will look to for information, for a plan. Quick. Responsibility. Such responsibility.

But, it's what we do. Day in and day out. More often than not, all goes well, all runs smoothly, all patients are stable. But, you never know when that moment will come. That moment when all hell breaks loose, that moment when the flood gates open, that moment when it feels like the bus is outside dropping off load after load. You never know when that baby will turn bad, that mom will turn septic, that teenager will code. But we must be ready. All the time. For anything.

To say that working in healthcare is stressful would be an understatement. All jobs carry levels of stress, all different kinds. But these are lives. Literally, lives we are caring for. And, medicine is amazing. Amazing. Sometimes I lose the appreciation or respect for what we do. Sometimes I forget that without it, lives are lost. Without the care we provide, people do die.

While walking through these empty, dark halls last night, all of this was on my mind. All seemed so quiet, so still. But, I know better. I know that behind each of those doors is stress, hard work, potential chaos, and most of all compassion. We do this because we care. We do this because we are passionate about health. We do this because we see the difference it makes. In the midst of long shifts, being on our feet for sometimes the entire night, missing holidays with our own families, maybe not getting to eat, maybe getting yelled at by patients, doctors, other staff members, etc, we do this because we care. I do this because it brings me joy. I do this because I get to use my skills and passions to bless others and tangibly help in one's most vulnerable moments.

The stress is incredible and sometimes exciting. It's also terrifying. Such responsibility. Such potential for things to go wrong at any moment. In any specialty, in any field it exists. Even mom/babe; believe me.

As I recently passed my 2 year mark at work, today I reflect on how grateful I am for my job. I'm thankful for this road and journey that began so long ago. Before I even realized it, God was forming my heart and mind to be where I am. Today I am simply thankful for the opportunities I have day in and day out to both bless and be blessed by others in such a real way. Yes it's hard, yes it's stressful, yes it's physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting; but I'm thankful. And, sometimes I need to dig deep into my heart and remind myself why I do this, and how much I really do love it. I'm reminded; and I'm ready for a restful weekend!

Awesomes & Awkwards

 Leaving my tennis shoes on the front porch over night and going on morning walks in sun-warmed soles. It's the best feeling. Running into spider webs on my walks and then doing my spiders-get-off-me-dance is the worst. At least the neighborhood gets a show.

 Fresh, ripe tomatoes from my dying plants. They look pretty hideous in the front yard and certainly highlight my lack of gardening skills- but they keep producing. My neighbors probably chuckle each time they pass by, but I don't see their plants yielding red tomatoes, so there. Maybe I'm on to something...

 Andrew and I don't talk much when he's away. We are usually on opposite schedules. It's amazing how much we are both okay with it (mostly amazing how much I am okay with it). I know and trust that he is working hard, and he knows the same of me. And, we know that we'll see each other in a few days and hopefully catch up then. Maybe last year's Air Force training was good husband-away-training too. I had a much harder time last summer with very limited contact. But, a simple "hi, had a good day, you ok? love you, goodnight" is plenty for now and we make do. Add a few emoji pics in there too and I'm a happy wife. Or, maybe it's because losing Gabriel put things into perspective. There are worse things than not having Andrew home every day. Far worse...

 When opening our 2 year anniversary cards, a table setting card fell from the envelope. At our wedding, each table was titled with an attribute from the "love is" verse in 1st Corinthians. The card that fell read "patience." All fell quickly quiet in the depths of my soul. How perfect. The one thing I have been praying and pleading God for most is just that- Patience. It's what I need most right now. So- to whoever put that card in there, thank you. Love is patient...

 My sister is coming to visit with baby Reid in a few weeks! I'm beyond thrilled to get to spend time with my little nephew and enjoy his 3-month self. Better yet- my Grandma is visiting in a few shorter weeks. My grandma is far more than just a grandma- she's kind of like a best friend. Really truly. So thankful. See you soon!

 Our puny little window A/C unit is my bestie. My day-sleeping-when-working-self would be simply miserable without that little guy by my side. Tossing and turning in puddles of sweat- ugh, been there. It ain't pretty. A/C, you're a life saver.

  I think this entire summer may end up being a bit of a blur come a few months from now. I often forget what month it is. What time of year. I feel stuck in May/June. Not wanting to move past. I left something someone behind. I want a do-over.  It's truly how I feel and I can't quite explain it; but time is a bit of a blur. I'm still moving through the blur and the fog, but my heart remains in June.

 Every time I go to Trader Joe's, I ask myself why I don't go there more. It's heavenly. It makes me excited about eating healthier. Always a pleasant experience, always delicious eats. The only trouble is planning out meals to beat the expiration dates. First world problem? Yes, indeed...  :/

 Going to the bathroom at Costco with Isaac... I'd held it for far too long. I grabbed the handicap stall and hoped that when I put him down, he wouldn't try to crawl under stalls- touch anything, etc. It was an experiment indeed, but went better than I expected. I set him on his feet and did my business while he literally didn't move an inch. just looked around- unsure of where he was, what was happening, or what he should do. Haha, it was perfect, but I realize that I may not be so lucky next time. These are the things you don't think about when having kids...

Weekend iLife

This weekend included many of my favorite things. The "weekend" did start with Friday and ended with Monday by the way. 4 day weekend = Nurse perks!

Friday- I so enjoy watching little Isaac. He just tags along with my day and we find fun along the way. Lots of talking, pointing, and exploring. He is at such a fun, happy age (14 months) and seriously cracks me up! Isaac is a little water baby... we stayed at the fountain for an hour and a half and only had to leave because it was nap time. He likely could have spent all day there. Oh, darling boy, you are dearly loved by so many.

 Saturday-  BBQ for the birthday boy, Andrew! More on our last minute BBQ to come later... But it was great!

 Sunday was a day of rest. Much needed. Post church, Andrew and I enjoyed cooking up a delicious biscuit brunch and took the kind of nap that only Sundays offer. During the week, it's so quiet without him, but I'm so thankful that we have been able to coordinate semi-frequent visits.

Monday-  Sunshine, fresh fruit, dear friends, salt & straw ice cream, and a sweet and funny little 4 year old made for a winner of a day. Need I say more?

So thankful for a great stretch off work. Much needed; much appreciated.